Food waste – engaging diverse and different communities in climate action

Background Climate change is the largest threat to human health, yet communities have the potential to take significant action. Food waste contributes between 8-10% of all greenhouse gases through the release of methane and wasted resources. Household food waste contributes 60% of all food waste globally. This study addresses the research question, ‘Can households connected through community effectively reduce household food waste and engage communities in climate action?' Methods The study took place in two areas of contrasting deprivation and ethnicity in a town in Northwest England. Community co-researchers designed a behavioural intervention that consisted of a household food waste survey measuring types and quantities of food waste, and a co-produced community activity. The survey was completed at baseline and repeated after a community activity. Community leaders with established community groups supported participant recruitment and the development of community activities. The intervention was refined using action research to capture feedback (focus groups and interviews) from the community leaders. Four co-researchers, 16 community leaders and 130 households participated. Results The intervention engaged diverse groups whose primary purpose was not climate change, sparking conversations and raising awareness of household food waste. Using a combined sample (n = 98), the intervention significantly reduced household food waste by 307g per week per household (z=-2.77, p=.006). The learning was used to create a food waste toolkit to enable impact on a wider scale. Co-designing the intervention developed a sense of co-ownership, providing a platform upon which to build for future action. Conclusions This co-designed community approach supported positive climate behaviour change. By engaging with existing groups whose primary focus was not climate change, it went beyond those who are climate-engaged. Impact is being created by the dissemination of the food waste toolkit. Key messages • Development of the food waste toolkit will ensure the learning can be upscaled. • Co-designing with the community delivers positive climate behaviour change and engages a broad range of the community.